Calico Rock Museum and Visitors Center

11/04/2026

Another Piece of the Mystery Box Finds Its Way Home!

Sometimes the most interesting pieces of history come to us with more questions than answers. And sometimes, with a little digging, the pieces begin to fall into place.

This wonderful old photograph was among the treasures discovered in the Mystery Box donated to the Calico Rock Museum.

Thanks to the careful research of our museum archivist, Cathy Ward, we now have a connection to Izard County!

Cathy identified the letters “MOP” visible throughout the photograph as a reference to the Missouri Pacific Railroad, commonly known as MoPac.

Digging a little deeper, she discovered valuable contract information in the rent journal of J.T. Garner, providing another piece of the puzzle connecting this photograph to our local history.

That’s one of the wonderful things about preserving history. Sometimes one person’s memory holds the missing piece of another person’s story.

A special thank you to Cathy for the time, patience, and dedication she brings to researching and preserving our history. So much of this important work happens quietly behind the scenes, and we are fortunate to have her.

At the Calico Rock Museum, every piece of history matters, and every discovery brings us a little closer to understanding the stories of those who came before us.

11/03/2026

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Local Drop Location: Deeply Rooted Homestead, located behind the Calico Rock Museum in the open parking area down Peppersauce Alley.

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Help spread the word! Tag a friend who might enjoy this convenient shopping opportunity!

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11/03/2026

This historic new edge piece of equipment played an important role in our local history. Very few remain in existence.

It was made by Beck Lee Corporation for Dr. A. Meryl Grasse in the early 1950s, around the time he came to our area. (See the name tag.)

The portable “cardi-all” EKG machine is intact, including the case, handle, and plastic cover. It has a concealed compartment that holds the cord and the lead wire, making it easy to carry to a patient, even to their home (if they had electricity).

The heated stylet marked the EKG paper with the heart rhythm and marked when different leads were checked. Though more complex to use than today’s equipment, it played a valuable role in diagnosing and treating our ancestors.

Soon to be added to our Hospital Exhibit!

Cathy Ward
Calico Rock Museum Archivist

11/02/2026

We are grateful for this wonderful community connection. Thank you for all you do for us!

11/02/2026

Healing happens when people have a safe place to be heard, understood, and supported.

We believe the strength of a community is found not only in how we celebrate together, but in how we care for one another through life's difficult seasons.

Any-Recovery at the Rock is one more way we can make room for healing, connection, and hope right here in our community. No labels. No judgment. Just people showing up for one another.

Sometimes, knowing we don't have to walk alone makes all the difference.

Join us Tuesday evenings at 6:30 at The Nook in Calico Rock.

11/01/2026

Halloween Night at the Museum 2026.

Behind every wonderful evening are some pretty wonderful people!

What a tremendous event we enjoyed last night. Even with a little rain, our community showed up, and what a joy it was to see so many families and familiar faces enjoying the evening.

Today, I especially want to shine a little light on the people behind the scenes. So much goes into making events like this happen, and I am blessed to have some truly remarkable people by my side.

While these photos capture a few of those wonderful faces, my gratitude reaches far beyond those pictured and far beyond this one evening. To our incredible staff, volunteers, and everyone who gives their time, talents, and hearts to this museum throughout the year, please know how deeply you are appreciated.

As Executive Director, one of my greatest blessings is the people I have the privilege of working alongside. Their dedication, generosity, and genuine love for this museum mean more to me than words can adequately express. There is something truly special about being surrounded by people who give so much of themselves simply because they care.

And to our wonderful community, thank you for continuing to show up for us, rain or shine! Your presence, encouragement, and support mean more than you know.

The costumes will be put away, the decorations will come down, and another Halloween will become a sweet memory. But the kindness and generosity of the people who make it all possible are what remain.

From my heart, thank you for making the Calico Rock Museum such a special place, not just on nights like this, but every single day.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Bambi Bowden
Calico Rock Museum

11/01/2026

Sewing on the Rock is Monday!

There’s something special about gathering around a table with sewing, good conversation, and the kind of fellowship that makes everyone feel welcome.

We’re looking forward to another wonderful gathering this Monday, and we want to extend a special thank you to Diane Siddons, whose generosity, dedication, and willingness to share her time and talents help make these gatherings possible.

Diane has been such a blessing to this little sewing community, and we are grateful for the care she puts into keeping it going.

Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or simply enjoy the company of others who love to create, we’d love to have you join!

10/31/2026

A Letter from 1965
A Little Piece of Calico Rock’s Past

Don’t you just love finding an old letter that takes you back to a simpler time? The kind filled with family news, familiar names, and little everyday happenings that bring back memories of days gone by.

A special thank you to David Hudson for sharing this wonderful piece of his family’s history with the Calico Rock Museum!

Postmarked September 13, 1965, this letter was written by Bessie Hudson to her son Neill and daughter-in-law Evelyn, who were living in Hector, Arkansas.

Bessie shares the everyday happenings around Calico Rock..ball games, family visits, neighbors, fishing, baking cinnamon rolls, and gathering grapes to make jelly. She also mentions familiar names, including the Hudson, Hayes, and Whitaker families.

The letter and envelope feature the business stationery of Bessie’s husband, Ulysses Elmer (U. E.) Hudson.

David also shared that Evelyn moved to Hector to attend Arkansas Tech, beginning college at age 45 after graduating as valedictorian at Mountain Home!

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that tell the sweetest stories about the people and places we remember.

Thank you, David-for helping us preserve another little piece of Calico Rock’s history!
We appreciate you.

10/30/2026

Is it a tree? Is it a woodland creature? Is it a Halloween decoration that came to life? Nope… it’s just Jensen being Jensen!

With Halloween just around the corner, it appears our beloved Jensen has transformed into some sort of enchanted woodland creature. Or perhaps a walking Christmas tree. We’re still investigating!

One thing we know for certain is that Jensen brings a special kind of magic to the museum. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, sweet personality, and the warmth she shares with everyone are just a few of the reasons we all love her so much.

Around here, even an ordinary day can become a sweet memory, especially when it’s shared with people who make our museum feel like family.

And as for Jensen? We think she’s simply unbe-leaf-able! 😍

10/29/2026

Some stories are told. Others are felt. And then there are those rare storytellers who make you feel as though you’ve lived every word.

There are hardly words to describe the extraordinary gift of storytelling that Denny Copeland shared with us at Reminiscing at the Rock!

Before a record-setting crowd, Denny brought our history to life through stories, songs, humor, and heartfelt memories. One moment, the room was filled with laughter. The next, there were tears. And often, the audience became part of the storytelling, chiming in with their own memories and adding to the joy of the occasion.

It was more than an afternoon of reminiscing. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of shared history, the connections that bind a community, and the importance of preserving the voices and stories of those who have lived it.

Denny, what a gift you gave us! Your warmth, wit, remarkable memory, and wonderful way with words made this an afternoon we will not soon forget.

A very special thank you to our museum archivist, Cathy Ward, who is truly the backbone of these gatherings. So much of what makes Reminiscing at the Rock possible happens long before anyone takes a seat. Cathy pours countless hours, thoughtful preparation, and a great deal of heart into bringing these events to life. Much of that work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by everyone who attends. Cathy, we see your dedication, we appreciate the extra miles you go, and we are deeply grateful for the love you put into preserving the stories of our community.

To everyone who filled the room and shared in this special gathering, thank you. You helped make this one of our most memorable Reminiscing at the Rock events yet.

Some days become stories of their own. This was certainly one of them. ❤️

P.S. If you weren’t able to join us, or would simply love to experience it all again, the video of Denny’s presentation is available in its entirety on our YouTube channel, Explore Calico. We hope you’ll take a little time to enjoy this wonderful afternoon of storytelling!

Thank you,
Bambi Bowden
Museum Executive Director